I personally doubted that Windows 7 would make an actual appearance during the Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer joint interview up on stage at the D6 conference, but as it turns out, it has made an appearance. During an interview conducted by Walt Mossberg and Kara Swisher about Ballmer and Gates' past, present, and future, a short demo was given of Windows 7.

They haven't really revealed anything that would place this as anything except XP +2... more of the same. They brag on stage how they could not get paid by customers for a whole year... they have no concept of competition, no concept of customer service beyond their own agenda.

Good news for Linux/Mac fans as this was basically "reassurance" from Bill that the company is "safe" in Steve's hands. In short, shortsighted attempts to gain marketshare like the recent eeePC situation will continue to happen. The door is wide open. Microsoft is continuing down the path of throwing money at the problem rather than fixing their company. Good news all around for those willing to take money in their attempts to buy their way out of trouble the next 3 years. The economy can use the extra Billions!!